What is the VIRTUE Network?

 

The education sector is on the cusp of a significant transformation, with technology playing a pivotal role in shaping future learning environments. Immersive Technologies represents a frontier in educational technology, offering unparalleled opportunities for engagement, accessibility, and pedagogical innovation. By integrating Immersive Technologies into the educational framework, the VIRTUE Network seeks to enhance the teaching and learning experience across national HEIs, for both learners and educators. It is essential for more enhanced and cohesive collaboration among HEIs for the effective implementation and integration of immersive technologies.

The VIRTUE Network is a national collaboration of 12 Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) and 13 HCI Pillar 3 projects. Established through the Munster Technological University (MTU) Rethinking Engineering Education in Ireland (REEdI) initiative, it fosters the integration of Immersive Technologies (VR, AR, MR, XR) in education to enhance student engagement, learning outcomes, and workforce readiness.

The VIRTUE Networks’ emphasis is on collaboration, not competition. Together we can shape the future.

 

Key Focus Areas

  • Collaboration for Innovation: Form a collaborative network of partners active in the Virtual Immersive Reality (VIR) space in higher education
  • Standardising Excellence: Develop a comprehensive national framework to enhance the educational experience which includes standardising the use of VIR in educational settings and ensuring consistent quality across institutions.
  • Development for Ethical and Effective Use of Immersive Technologies: Formulate policies and frameworks that govern the ethical, effective, and equitable use of VIR in education. This involves aligning the VIRTUE Networks objectives with existing national education policies and goals and addressing potential challenges related to technology integration.
  • Empowering Learning Through Immersive Technologies: Collectively leverage VIR to create more engaging, interactive, and accessible learning environments. This includes focusing on inclusivity and ensuring that students from diverse backgrounds can benefit from these advanced educational tools.
  • A Connected Platform for Sharing Knowledge and Expertise: Establish a platform for educational institutions to collaborate, and share resources and expertise in the field of immersive technologies, facilitating a more cohesive approach to educational technology implementation and innovation in higher education.
  • Building Capacity and Accessibility in Immersive Learning: Build capacity and increase the accessibility of VIR tools by providing guidance, standardised practice, and resources to educators and institutions to effectively integrate VIR technologies.​

 

Our Collaborative Approach

 

The VIRTUE Network fosters cross-institutional collaboration through in-person and virtual meetings, allowing members to exchange ideas, discuss challenges, and co-develop immersive technology strategies.

Key Meetings

 

Driving Innovation and Change

 

The VIRTUE Network has been instrumental in shaping immersive technology policy and funding opportunities for education and research.

 

VISIEN Framework​

The Virtual and Immersive Solutions for Integrated Educational Needs (VISIEN) Framework represents a pioneering effort to standardize the integration of immersive technologies into education. Developed collaboratively within the VIRTUE Network, this framework establishes clear guidelines for quality assurance, ethical use, and accessibility, ensuring consistency and scalability across diverse academic institutions. Rooted in innovation and inclusivity, VISIEN provides educators, administrators, and policymakers with practical tools and strategies to leverage immersive technologies effectively, fostering enhanced teaching, research, and student engagement. By aligning with national education goals, the framework paves the way for a cohesive and transformative approach to education in the digital age.

View the VISIEN (draft) Framework Document HERE.


Join the VIRTUE Network and be Part of the Future of Education

 

Whether you're a lecturer, researcher, educational technologist, industry partner, or policymaker, the VIRTUE Network provides a unique platform to collaborate, access resources, and influence the future of immersive technology in education.

Membership Benefits

  • Access to cutting-edge immersive technology research & best practices.
  • Collaboration opportunities with HEIs, industry, and government.
  • Funding & grant application support.
  • Early access to training, frameworks, and shared resources.
  • Contribute to national education strategies and policies.